_____ is defined as the global capacity to understand the world, think rationally, and use available resources effectively when faced with challenges.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Intelligence
Option (1) Aptitude — Incorrect. Aptitude is an individual’s underlying potential for acquiring skills; aptitude tests predict what a person will be able to do if given proper environment and training.
Option (2) Intelligence — Correct. Intelligence is the global capacity to understand the world, think rationally and use available resources effectively when faced with challenges. Wechsler, whose tests are the most widely used, defined it in the same spirit as the global and aggregate capacity to think rationally, act purposefully and deal effectively with the environment.
Option (3) Interest — Incorrect. Interest is an individual’s preference for engaging in one or more specific activities relative to others. It tells what a person likes doing, not how well she or he copes with challenges.
Option (4) Personality — Incorrect. Personality refers to the relatively enduring characteristics of a person that make her or him distinct from others; it is not a measure of how well one copes.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 15-05-2026 (Slot 1).
NCERT (2025-26): “Some Domains of Psychological Attributes … 1. Intelligence is the global capacity to understand the world, think rationally, and use available resources effectively when faced with challenges.…” “Intelligence … Wechsler, whose intelligence tests are most widely used, understood intelligence in terms of its functionality, i.e. its value for adaptation to environment. He defined it as the global and aggregate capacity of an individual to think rationally, act purposefully, and to deal effectively with her/his environment.…” |